The Academy for Youth Empowerment Annual 2020 ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM (From left) Memphis’ Academy for Youth Empowerment CEO/Founder, Black History Program & Memphis Christmas in Whitehaven Parade Organizer, and Entrepreneur Hazel Moore is shown thanks and gratitude for her work in the Whitehaven community from Lieutenant Colonel L. Ross and Officer R. Jefferson, members of the Memphis Police Department’s Raines (Southwest) Police Station. The 2020 Academy for Youth Empowerment’s annual Black History Program honored six historically significant figures – Cornelia Crenshaw, Judge D’Army Bailey, Dr. David L. Acey, Dr. Erma L. Clanton, George Hunt, and Rosa Parks. The event was held at 3 pm on Sunday, March 1, 2020 in the sanctuary of Abundant Grace Fellowship, 1574 E. Shelby Drive in Memphis, TN. Aria Battle, a junior at the City University Preparatory School, introduced the event’s emcee, Whitehaven resident and Greater Memphis Chamber CEO, Beverly Robertson, Abundant Grace Fellowship Pastor Dwayne Hunt gave the invocation which preceded Outreach Coordinator Arnest Martin who gave the welcome and program purpose. Those in attendance followed by joining together and signing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem. Afterwards, the program introduced the 2020 honorees through historic depictions and life spotlights. Hillcrest High School Junior, Righteous Pryor, began the introductions with Judge D’Army Bailey and Whitehaven High School Junior, Dominic Curry, followed up by introducing Dr. David L. Acey. The T.L. Williams Academy of Dance performed a rendition of “Embrace,” a musical taken from the movie Harriet. Havenview Middle School 8th grader, Ay’Sha Monet McConnell introduced honoree Cornelia Crenshaw and 8th grade Colonial Middle School student, Eriel Woodard introduced Dr. Erma L. Clanton. Columbus Missionary Church soloist Renee Cogar sang “Give Me Jesus” and 8th grade Freedom Preparatory Academy student, Stacee Thomas read the bio of Rosa Parks. City University Preparatory sophomore Dwayne Jackson delivered the last honoree speech on George Hunt and Havenview Middle School freshmen Kyndal Boyd and Nathan Granson presented the honorees with awards. The Memphis’s own musical group, The Temprees,” performed and Academy for Youth Empowerment founder, Hazel Moore, provided the closing remarks before the benediction which was given by Freedom Preparatory Academy Senior Spencer Fleming. 26
27 Publizr Home